Grandson says Nelson Mandela is recovering

Updated
December 19, 2012 13:46:00

Concerns over the health of the former South African president, Nelson Mandela, have been growing since he was admitted to hospital earlier this month. He was initially reported to be undergoing routine tests. Then, doctors said he had a lung infection. On the weekend, the public was told he'd been operated on to remove gallstones. The confusing picture has only flamed fears that the 94-year-old may be dying. However his grandson, Mandla Mandela, says the anti-apartheid leader is recovering.

MANDLA MANDELA: My grandfather is well in recovery. He is under capable hands of the doctors rendered by our government. The government is monitoring him and doing their best to ensure that he recovers. So we are all awaiting the news of his return back home.

He was in Kono with me when he was taken for the tests and for the treatment as they identified that he had an infection in his lungs. We are all as a community and family, especially both in Kono and Mvezo, anticipating his return. We will only be truly happy and satisfied once we see him driving into his home state and back into his own household.

GINNY STEIN: Do you think it's going to be for Christmas? Are you all going to be together for Christmas?

MANDLA MANDELA: Oh, we don't want to put pressures on the doctors. I think it is the doctors that know best and we are relying on the information that they send to us. So there are no time limitations, it's just a matter of ensuring that he gets the best treatment and best service from our government doctors.

GINNY STEIN: When you saw him, how was he? When did you see him?

MANDLA MANDELA: I saw him when he left for Johannesburg. As I said I stayed with him in Kono. That is when I saw him when he left and I've been in constant discussions, telephone call with family members who are based in Johannesburg.